>> WhileAerin Lauder is working on her upcoming "luxury lifestyle brand" Aerin — which is expected to encompass beauty and fragrance, accessories like sunglasses, and home accessories — she will remain a global ambassador and creative consultant for Estee Lauder, in a deal that will net her $700,000 annually.

The agreement runs through June 2016, with the $700,000 retainer fee increasing 4 percent at the end of each fiscal year until its expiration. Lauder is also required to put in at least 35 days of personal appearances worldwide for the Estee Lauder brand; for each day past the 35-day requirement, she will be paid $20,000 a day, with the daily stipend increasing $1,000 with each contract year.

Estee Lauder, meanwhile, has the exclusive licensee rights to "core beauty products" produced by the Aerin label — cosmetics, fragrances, toiletries, skin and hair care, and beauty accessories — while licenses like eyewear are being arranged with other companies.

Lauder described the positioning of Aerin as luxurious, but "easy" luxury: "It’s not fashion in the sense of clothing.” Instead, she says, Aerin will be targeting a luxury customer who “want things made simple.”

Merchandise is expected to begin hitting stores next Spring, with the Aerin lifestyle brand preceding the Aerin cosmetics collection.